Uh-Oh... another Newbie with the same old question...

[AdHil]

Hello fella's

I've been lurking around for a while, trying desperately to gather enough information to make an educated decision on which welder to buy but alas! I just cant decide.

What I am looking for is a hobby MIG.

I will be mostly doing Car and Van based projects, and light fab work. Duty Cycle isn't a big concern to me to be honest.

I already own an Esab Buddy 160 for TIG and MMA purposes.. so agro' welding and 'pretty' welding are covered.

I had settled myself on a Clarke 160TM (Or so I thought..) but I just couldn't resist a bit more trawling through the forums. I am now reluctant to buy it because the idea of a Euro Torch appeals to me, the other issue being I have no Clarke suppliers in Northern Ireland, and like to have somewhere to go and cry to when everything goes wrong! I do intend to go straight to big bottles of gas, and ideally 15kg rolls of wire, though the latter isn't essential.

I emailed Weldequip a couple of days ago to ask a few questions but there was no response, not too sure if I should take this personally? .

Anyway, I am now thinking about a Millermatic 140. Would I be right in saying this will be a slightly better quality machine than the Clarke? Or are they much the same? I think I am right in saying this comes equipped for large gas bottles, but only accepts smaller reels of wire?

The other question I have is the torch connection? Does the Miller use a different type of torch connection to other welders? Will I notice any issues getting service parts? Or should I just shut up, buy it, and start melting holes in my van?

Many thanks,

Ad.

 

[norlander]

I don't know if Gys have a prescence over ther but I have one and its great-its rated light industrial, spares n bits back up really depends on who you buy the kit from.
Then there Oxford kit but Gys and Oxford are probably a level above hobby kit-but there again Miller is serious kit in my view-but thats a good way to go because when your hobby horizon expands you have the kit to cover that, and the aforementioned kit should not be found wanting.
Speak to Andy re questions on Miller kit http://rapidwelding.com/dynamic/category.aspx?c=MIG WELDERS&o=0&zz=0&zl=1&sq=3

 

[AdHil]

My Dad was asking around a bit and did come across the make GYS. I had never heard of it but a shop here reccomended it. I did a bit of searching online and they seem to get mixed reviews on reliability. I also don't know how easy spares and servicing will be to get in NI.

If you say Miller is heading towards semi-pro spec kit then I would be inclined to go for it! I am starting to stretch the budget a bit, but I would rather throw a few more pounds at it now, than having to spend money repairing or upgrading a lesser machine later.

Is 30A a low enough minimum output for general car repairs by the way?

Cheers!

 

[Richard.]

30 amps is ok but having 20 amps would be handy. If your selecting a machine solely for this purpose of car body repair then I would not worry about the following.
Max current
Duty cycle
15 kg reels

Concentrate more on
Min current
Portability
Support/warranty

 

[Alister]

Hi Ad
Was in the same boat as you until I found a Clarke 160EN on ebay. The guy was happy for me to arrange collection so I'm now the proud owner. I nearly bought a Sealey from Denis Wilson of Glenavy but did go there for gas etc. If you've never been there it is really worth a visit as the shop is amazing, and he has GYS as well as Sealey.
North Down Motor Factors in Ards is also worth a visit as they have Hobbyweld gas. T for Tools in Lurgan do Sealey welders too at a good price but not sure about after sales service.

 

[AdHil]

Thanks guys,

It will be more chassis/shell repairs than neat body work I will be doing so from some more research a 30A minimum seems to be ok!

I think I have considered nearly every single make now and there are advantages to each of them I guess haha.

I was absolutely set on the Clarke machines, but then decided I would really like a Euro torch from factory. This put my mind on to the Miller machines. It turns out only certain machines are available in the UK due to CE regulations. This means that I would be buying a Miller Migmatic 175. Not really ideal as this seems to be an older machine, and spares will probably have a long lead time on them.

So..for about the twentyfifth time I have changed my mind and am now considering just going all out and buying either a Lincon Electric Powertec 161c machine from BOC gas & gear, or else a similarly spec'd ESAB machine from Weldpro.

In terms of build quality and ease of use will there be much to choose between the two makes? I have sort of given up on the idea of buying on a budget at this point as you can probably tell haha! I just hope what ever machine I buy will be a joy to use and give me years of reliable service!

 

[Richard.]

With those two brands it's like comparing white and dark chocolate, it's down to personal taste. Both those companies will supply you with a high quality machine good uk support and warranty. Flip a coin.

 

[AdHil]

Just in case any one ever searches what welder to buy and this thread pops up I thought I had better close it!

I went for the ESAB Origo C171.. and boy am I glad I did!

The build quality is sublime, it came basically set up (brake drum adjusted etc) and my local suppliers (WeldPro) sorted me out with a fantastic package on all the other odds & ends I would need. They are also BOC reps so I signed up to an Argoshield light contract whilst I was there. I have used pretty big high spec machines in the past in work, school, tech etc. and can happily say the ESAB matches them all for usability. I drive quite a low van so it is perfectly transportable too, even liftable (if you have eaten your weetabix)!

The van in question passed MOT there with a chassis leg repair and leaf spring mount replacement done as my first project.. so, so far so good!

Cheers for the help folks! I'm sure Ill have some interesting projects and silly questions to come